Skip to main content

2020 Art Contest

DHF/UTSA Pre-K Thru 12 Aviation & Aerospace Art Contest
2020


To view the Art Contest event history we invite you to visit the past annual event pages.


The Dee Howard Foundation (DHF) and the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) have joined with other local, state, and national partners, to establish The Dee Howard Foundation/UTSA Pre-K thru 12 Aviation and Aerospace Art Contest open to all Pre-K thru 12 students in the San Antonio area to include Bexar, Atascosa, Bandera, Comal, Guadalupe, Kendall, Medina, and Wilson counties .

The theme of the inaugural contest for the 2020/2021 academic year is “Mission to Mars” in celebration of the NASA MARS 2020 Mission Perseverance Rover. DHF & UTSA are honored to announce that Honorary Mission Commander is San Antonio native, two-time shuttle astronaut and first African American to walk in space, Bernard A. Harris, Jr. MD, MBA.

The DHF/UTSA “Mission to Mars” (has launched) the week of 7 September 2020.

Stay tuned to this webpage and social media for DHF, UTSA and our contest partners for further details. Fasten your seat belts, the official contest clock has started its countdown, it should be an exciting mission.


2020 Contest Theme

Introducing the 2020 Art Contest Theme – "Mission to Mars"

In 1961, President John F. Kennedy set the goal of "landing a man on the Moon and returning him safely to the Earth" by the end of the decade. His words, "we choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard,” inspired Americans to dream big. His speech set NASA’s Apollo program in motion with the goal to advance space exploration. On July 20, 1969, 600 million people around the world watched as Neil Armstrong and "Buzz" Aldrin landed the Apollo 11 moon lander and took their first steps on the moon's surface. 

In the 50 years since the first lunar landing, humans are dreaming to go even further. The next frontier for human space exploration is Mars – and the race is on to get there! Since 1960, NASA and other space agencies have sent robotic missions to explore the red planet. Some missions included flybys while others became orbiting satellites to study the surface for years. These early missions sent back photographs of dust storms, volcanoes, and canyons that provided information on the surface of Mars. In 1975, NASA’s Viking was the first lander to reach the surface. 1997 brought the first rover to Mars, Sojourner, that included cameras and hardware for scientific experiments. Since then, NASA has sent several more rovers to explore the surface and collect data. Robotic missions have found evidence of ancient water on Mars as well as recent evidence of water currently flowing on the surface. 

While robotic missions have been successful, we now look to have humans set foot on the red planet. But a 34 million-mile trip to Mars will require real human ingenuity. How will humans survive the journey through deep space to Mars? And when they arrive, where will they live? Unlike Earth, Mars is a desolate and dangerous planet. Humans must find protection from poisonous radiation, freezing temperatures, and an unsuitable atmosphere. 

But the human spirit thrives in the face of impossible odds. Landing on the Moon was once seen as a faraway dream, but a strong-willed team of over 400,000 people including engineers and scientists made it a reality. And organizations around the world are working up solutions to bring humans closer to Mars. Already in the works is the world’s most powerful rocket, the Space Launch System, designed by NASA to safely send humans into deep space.

What is your vision for a human mission to Mars? What technologies do we need to survive the journey and live on the red planet? What might a human settlement look like on Mars that not only keep citizens alive but happy? Unleash your imagination to share your concept of a human mission to Mars!  


Mission Commander

Dr. Bernard A. Harris, Jr., Honorary Mission Commander, DHF/UTSA 2020 "Mission to Mars" Art Contest

Dr. Bernard A. Harris, Jr.The Dee Howard Foundation and UTSA are honored to announce that Dr. Bernard A. Harris, Jr. will serve as Honorary Mission Commander for the 2020 Mission to Mars Art Contest.

Dr. Harris is the Chief Executive Officer of the National Math + Science Initiative (NMSI) and leads the organization’s efforts to improve teacher effectiveness and student achievement in STEM education across the country. He has been involved in math and science education for more than 25 years through the Harris Institute & Foundation and as a founding board member for NMSI.

Dr. Harris has stated that “As a dreamer, I often encourage young people that ‘nothing is impossible, if you believe in your dreams.’ For that to happen, we as educators and education advocates must provide students with the tools to empower their dreams. Ultimately, we all benefit through those accomplishments.”

A veteran astronaut, Dr. Harris has logged more than 438 hours and traveled over 7.2 million miles in space. He was the first African-American to complete a spacewalk. While at NASA, he conducted research in musculoskeletal physiology and clinical investigations of space adaptation and developed in-flight medical devices to extend Astronaut stays in space.

Prior to NMSI, Dr. Harris was CEO and Managing Partner of Vesalius Ventures, Inc., a venture capital firm that invests in early- to mid-stage healthcare technologies and companies. He is a member of the Board of Directors for U.S. Physical Therapy (Nasdaq: USPH), JSA Health and Monebo Technologies. He serves as a Trustee for Salient Fund, Salient MF Trust and Barings Fund & Trust. In addition, he is on the Board of the National Academy of Medicine, the Texas Medical Center, HealthConnect, NMSI, the Harris Institute & Foundation, and The Dee Howard Foundation.

Dr. Harris graduated from Sam Houston High School in San Antonio and earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Houston, a Master of Medical Science from the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, a Master of Business Administration from the University of Houston and a Doctorate of Medicine from Texas Tech University School of Medicine. He completed a Residency in Internal Medicine at the Mayo Clinic, a National Research Council Fellowship in Endocrinology at the NASA Ames Research Center and trained as a Flight Surgeon at the Aerospace School of Medicine, Brooks Air Force Base. He is also a licensed private pilot and certified scuba diver.

Dr. Harris is the recipient of numerous awards, including honorary doctorates from Stony Brook University, Morehouse School of Medicine, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Washington & Jefferson College, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, University of Hartford and Indiana Institute of Technology. He’s also been awarded the NASA Space Flight Medal, NASA Award of Merit and the 2000 Horatio Alger Award.

He is the author of “Dream Walker: A Journey of Achievement and Inspiration ” and a 2017 Inductee to the San Antonio Aviation and Aerospace Hall of Fame.


Press Releases

UTSA and The Dee Howard Foundation engage area students in aviation and aerospace with art contest

Invitation to attend DHF/UTSA Art Contest Virtual Awards Ceremony


Cooperating Organizations

The Dee Howard Foundation and UTSA thank all of our Cooperating Organizations who benefit DHF Pre-K thru 12 Initiatives throughout the year.

2020 Cooperating Organizations

[widgetkit id="27"]

Participating Schools

The Dee Howard Foundation and University of Texas are proud to have the following school districts and school networks confirmed* to participate in the “Mission to Mars” art contest.

2020 Art Contest Participating Schools

  • Alamo Heights ISD
  • Boerne ISD
  • Brooks Academy of Science and Engineering
  • Central Catholic High School
  • Compass Rose
  • Edgewood ISD
  • Harlandale ISD
  • Idea Public Schools
  • Judson ISD
  • Medina Valley ISD
  • North East ISD
  • Northside ISD
  • Pre-K 4 SA
  • Promesa Academy
  • Randolph Field ISD
  • San Antonio ISD
  • School of Science & Technology
  • Southside ISD
  • Southwest ISD

* as of January 11, 2021

Is your school interested in participating?

If you are an ISD, charter school, private school, school on a military base or home school located in either Bexar, Atascosa, Bandera, Comal, Guadalupe, Medina, Wilson, or Kendall county, Texas and are interested in having your school(s) participate in the contest, please e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. on or before December 18, 2020 (the deadline for student submissions of art work).


Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 2020 Dee Howard Foundation/University of Texas at San Antonio Pre-K thru 12 Aviation & Aerospace Art Contest?

The 2020 Dee Howard Foundation/University of Texas at San Antonio Pre-K thru 12 Aviation & Aerospace Art Contest was developed to engage students about aerospace and engineering through art. The contest was created in celebration of the NASA MARS 2020 Mission Perseverance Rover.

Who can participate in the contest?

Any current Pre-K through 12 student in the following 8 Texas counties: Bexar, Atascosa, Bandera, Comal, Guadalupe, Medina, Wilson, Kendall. This includes students from independent school districts, charter schools, private schools, schools on military bases or home schooled.

Are there grade categories for the contest?

Yes, the contest will be broken out into the following categories:

  • Pre-K - 2
  • 3 - 5
  • Middle School (6, 7 & 8)
  • High School (9 - 12)

When does the contest start?

The contest opens on September 7, 2020. Download the PDF brochure for more information on dates and deadlines.

How do I know if my school is participating?

View a list of participating school districts and school networks.

What kind of artwork is acceptable?

Acceptable student artwork will need to be created on a standard size 8.5" X 11" paper. Artwork must NOT be framed or outlined with borders. All artwork must be hand drawn/painted. Artwork should clearly represent the theme of the contest. Permitted mediums: Acrylic, oil paint, watercolor, indelible marker pens, felt-tip pens, soft ball-point pens, indelible ink, Crayola or any similar indelible medium. Mediums NOT permitted: Non-permanent mediums such as pencil or charcoal; computer generated artwork; collage work involving the use of photocopies. For more information on rules, download the PDF brochure.

How do students submit their artwork?

Students will submit their drawing with completed and signed submission form to the school they are attending on or before the submission deadline of December 18, 2020. Download the PDF brochure for more information on submission procedures.

What is the judging process of artwork?

The Contest Office will establish the criteria for judging the submissions. There will be three rounds of judging, i.e. The first round of judging will be done at the individual school where the student is registered. Second Round: The school will then forward the first round winner at that school to the office/person designated by the ISD or comparable office for that school system, who will select one winner in each category from that ISD/school system to forward to the Contest Office. The final round judging will be done by the contest office who will select a first, second, and third place winner in each grade category.

Are there prizes?

The organizers of this Art Contest are grateful to all cooperating organizations for their contributions to a wonderful set of prizes to be awarded not only to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners of each of the four categories of entrants but to some of the other participants as well. Some of the prizes include, among other things, scholarships to various camps put on by some of the cooperating organizations, gift bags, Fiesta medals, Mars Lego Kits, Scobee Planetarium Passes, Backpack filled with STEAM related items, and from the USAF: a base tour of the flight line, Pilot Training Transformation, simulator time and the opportunity to meet USAF pilots. All camps and other in-person visits will be subject to meeting the health and safety standards then in effect. Each student that submits a drawing to the Contest will receive a Certificate of Participation signed by the Contest Co-Chairs and the Honorary Mission Commander.

Will the artwork be displayed?

A selection of some of the artwork submitted to the Contest will be on public display at the San Antonio Museum of Science and Technology at Port San Antonio (SAMSAT), UTSA and San Antonio International Airport. The dates and times for each exhibit will be announced at a later date.


2020 DHF/UTSA Art Contest Brochure

DOWNLOAD BROCHURE


2020 DHF/UTSA Art Contest Finalists

[widgetkit id="7"]

2020 Awards Dinner

San Antonio Aviation and Aerospace Hall of Fame 
Event Postponed (due to COVID19)


Keynote Speaker

Dr. Bernard A. Harris, Jr.

Dr. Bernard A. Harris, Jr.

The Dee Howard Foundation is honored to announce that Dr. Bernard A. Harris, Jr. will be the Keynote Speaker at the San Antonio Aviation and Aerospace Hall of Fame 2020 Awards Dinner on 26 March 2020.

The Dee Howard Foundation is honored to announce that Dr. Bernard A. Harris, Jr. will be the Keynote Speaker at the San Antonio Aviation and Aerospace Hall of Fame 2020 Awards Dinner on 26 March 2020.

Dr. Harris is the Chief Executive Officer of the National Math + Science Initiative (NMSI) and leads the organization’s efforts to improve teacher effectiveness and student achievement in STEM education across the country. He has been involved in math and science education for more than 25 years through the Harris Institute & Foundation and as a founding board member for NMSI.

Dr. Harris has stated that “As a dreamer, I often encourage young people that ‘nothing is impossible, if you believe in your dreams.’ For that to happen, we as educators and education advocates must provide students with the tools to empower their dreams. Ultimately, we all benefit through those accomplishments.”

A veteran astronaut, Dr. Harris has logged more than 438 hours and traveled over 7.2 million miles in space. He was the first African-American to complete a spacewalk. While at NASA, he conducted research in musculoskeletal physiology and clinical investigations of space adaptation and developed in-flight medical devices to extend Astronaut stays in space.

Prior to NMSI, Dr. Harris was CEO and Managing Partner of Vesalius Ventures, Inc., a venture capital firm that invests in early- to mid-stage healthcare technologies and companies. He is a member of the Board of Directors for U.S. Physical Therapy (Nasdaq: USPH), JSA Health and Monebo Technologies. He serves as a Trustee for Salient Fund, Salient MF Trust, and Barings Fund & Trust. In addition, he is on the Board of the National Academy of Medicine, the Texas Medical Center, HealthConnect, NMSI, the Harris Institute & Foundation, and The Dee Howard Foundation.

Dr. Harris graduated from Sam Houston High School in San Antonio and earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Houston, a Master of Medical Science from the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, a Master of Business Administration from the University of Houston and a Doctorate of Medicine from Texas Tech University School of Medicine. He completed a Residency in Internal Medicine at the Mayo Clinic, a National Research Council Fellowship in Endocrinology at the NASA Ames Research Center and trained as a Flight Surgeon at the Aerospace School of Medicine, Brooks Air Force Base. He is also a licensed private pilot and certified scuba diver.

Dr. Harris is the recipient of numerous awards, including honorary doctorates from Stony Brook University, Morehouse School of Medicine, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Washington & Jefferson College, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, University of Hartford, and Indiana Institute of Technology. He’s also been awarded the NASA Space Flight Medal, NASA Award of Merit, and the 2000 Horatio Alger Award.

He is the author of “Dream Walker: A Journey of Achievement and Inspiration ” and a 2017 Inductee to the San Antonio Aviation and Aerospace Hall of Fame.


Honorees

June Scobee Rodgers, Ph.D.

June Scobee Rodgers

June Scobee Rodgers, the widow of Challenger Space Shuttle Commander Richard “Dick” Scobee, has dedicated her time and energy to continue the crew’s educational mission. Immediately following the tragedy, Dr. Rodgers channeled grief into action and led the Challenger shuttle families, along with others, to create Challenger Center – a living tribute to their loved ones, one of the Challenger Centers, known as the Scobee Education Center, was opened in October 2014 on the Campus of San Antonio College. Dr. Rodgers serves as a Founding Chairman of the Challenger Center, where each year hundreds of thousands of students participate in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) focused programs. Dr. Rodgers is an educator, author, and speaker, and an inspiration to everyone she meets. As an educator, Dr. Rodgers has appeared on numerous national television programs promoting innovative educational partnerships, and has served on the President’s National Advisory Council on Education. Dr. Rodgers is personally proud of the fact that she has taught in every grade-level classroom from kindergarten through college. In 2015, Dr. Rodgers received the distinguished Alan Shepard Technology in Education Award. Originally from Alabama, Dr. Rodgers grew up in San Antonio. Dr. Rodgers holds a Ph.D. from Texas A&M University, a Master’s from Chapman College, CA, and a Bachelor’s of Science from Charleston Southern University, S.C. Dr. Rodgers graduated from Harlandale High School and then attended San Antonio College where she later received an Honorary Associate’s Degree. Dr. Rodgers is also the recipient of an Honorary Doctor of Science Degree from the University of Leicester, England.

Col. Thomas M. McNish, M.D. MPH (USAF Ret.)

Col. Thomas M. McNish, M.D. MPH (USAF Ret.)

Tom McNish attended North Carolina State University for one year before entering the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1960. McNish graduated and was commissioned a 2d Lt on June 3, 1964, and completed Undergraduate Pilot Training and was awarded his pilot wings in September 1965 at Williams AFB, Arizona. He next completed F-105 Thunderchief combat crew training before being assigned to the 354th Tactical Fighter Squadron at Takhli Royal Thai AFB, Thailand, in June 1966. Lt McNish was shot down over North Vietnam and was taken as a Prisoner of War on September 4, 1966, while flying his 45th combat mission in Southeast Asia. After spending 2,373 days in captivity, he was released during Operation Homecoming on March 4, 1973. He was briefly hospitalized to recover from his injuries at Maxwell AFB, Alabama, before beginning his pre-medicine classes at Emory University. Capt McNish graduated from Emory University School of Medicine in June 1978 and interned in the Department of Family Practice at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, Texas. He completed a family practice residency in 1981 and then began a residency in Aerospace Medicine at Brooks AFB, Texas, where he graduated in June 1983. During this time he was selected for the USAF Pilot-Physician program. Dr. McNish served as Chief of Aeromedical Services and Commander of the Air Transportable Hospital at Myrtle Beach AFB, South Carolina, from December 1983 to May 1985, and then as Commander of the USAF Hospital at Myrtle Beach, where he served until July 1986. During this time, he maintained mission-ready qualification in the A-10 Thunderbolt II, flying with the 354th Tactical Fighter Wing, and was designated by Tactical Air Command as the weapons system flight surgeon for the A-10. Col McNish next served as Commander of the 833rd Medical Group and the 833rd Tactical Hospital at Holloman AFB, New Mexico, from July 1986 to October 1988. He flew the AT-38 Talon with the 479th Tactical Training Wing while at Holloman. He was then assigned as Chief of Flight Medicine in the Office of the Air Force Surgeon General until June 1991, when he became the Command Surgeon in the Office of the Air Force Reserve at the Pentagon, where he served until his retirement from the Air Force on July 1, 1994.Col.McNish is a member and currently serves as President of the 4th Allied P.O.W. Wing.

 

 

 

The Dee Howard Foundation STEM Education Excellence Award (SEEA) 2020

Event Date 26 March, 2020


The Dee Howard Foundation STEM Education Excellence Award (SEEA) 2020

On March 26, 2020, The Dee Howard Foundation announced The Dee Howard Foundation STEM Education Excellence Award (SEEA) to recognize Pre-K thru 12 STEM teachers and administrators and to help incorporate aviation and aerospace subject matter in STEM programs primality focused on underserved students in the San Antonio Area.

The SEEA was presented at the San Antonio Aviation and Aerospace Hall of Fame 2020 Awards Dinner on March 26, 2020.

 


Letter

Letter to Superintendents 2020

The Dee Howard Foundation is an organization dedicated to fostering aviation and aerospace in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (S.T.E.M.) in Pre-K through 12 education programs, primarily in schools in the greater San Antonio area whose students are from underserved areas of our community. This year, we have expanded eligibility. Schools of any level (elementary/middle/secondary) with high-need students in Bexar County are eligible to submit nominations for the 2020 SEEA.

In the spirit of supporting those on the “front lines” of S.T.E.M. education, we request your assistance in distributing this letter and the other information we will forward to you concerning the SEEA to the principal of each school in your district that meets the criteria below. The principal of each qualifying school may submit one nomination for the 2020 SEEA. The nominee must:

  1. 1) Be an individual who excels at teaching or overseeing the S.T.E.M. curriculum in the qualifying school and;
  2. 2) Should exhibit character traits consistent with a respected educator in the community.

Should a nominee from your school district be selected by The Dee Howard Foundation (DHF) as this year’s Honoree, the Honoree, the Honoree’s school, and your school district will receive the following benefits:

  1. 1) The Honoree will be announced in January 2020, and the SEEA will be presented to the Honoree at the San Antonio Aviation and Aerospace Hall of Fame 2020 Awards Dinner to be held on 26 March 2020 at the GDC Technics Hangar at Port San Antonio. For details about the 2020 Hall of Fame, we invite you to visit the event page on this website;
  2. 2) The Honoree’s name will appear in the 2020 Hall of Fame program brochure, and their photograph and biography will be posted on The Dee Howard Foundation website;
  3. 3) The Honoree will be presented with a framed certificate during the 2020 Hall of Fame Awards Dinner;
  4. 4) A table of 10 will be reserved at the 2020 Hall of Fame, and seated at that table will be the Honoree, the principal from the Honoree’s school, the superintendent of the school district of the Honoree or their designated representative, and students from the Honoree’s school;
  5. 5) The Dee Howard Foundation will award a grant of $1,000.00 for use by the Honoree’s school as mutually agreed between DHF and the Honoree’s school to further aeronautical STEM education at the Honoree’s school; and
  6. 6) The Honoree will be added to The Dee Howard Foundation School Network to be included in all DHF School Network mailings and be eligible to participate in other designated program activities.

To nominate an educator, the principal of the school should complete the attached nomination form, and compile a formal letter of recommendation on official school letterhead, then return the package to the following:

The Honoree will be presented with a framed certificate during the 2019 Hall of Fame Awards Dinner;

Dr. W. Sean Kearney, Chair, SEEA Selection Committee, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Nominations must be received by December 1, 2019, to be eligible for the award. If you have any questions concerning the event, the SEEA, or the nomination process, please email or call Sean Kearney at (210) 784-2528.

We thank you and all of the members of the team in your school district for the great work you are doing to provide the young men and women in our community with the confidence and skills to be successful in an increasingly technological world. We look forward to receiving nominations from the principals of qualifying schools in your district and to providing well-deserved recognition to S.T.E.M. educators in the greater San Antonio area.

Sincerely,

W. Sean Kearney
Chair, SEEA Selection Committee


SEEA Honorees 2020

Colin R. Lang, 2020 SEEA Honoree

Colin Lang, 2020 SEEA Honoree

Colin Lang is a teacher, mentor, and coach. He is in his fourteenth year at Alamo Heights High School (AHHS) where he is the teacher of (Systems Go) Aerospace Studies program, an innovative, project-based education program that he implemented at AHHS from the ground up. It began with launching little rockets that would go about 200 ft in the air. His students now work with NASA to build rockets that go up to 100,000 ft. To date, they have reached 37,000 ft. This can only be done at the White Sands Missile Range. In addition to his leadership of the Alamo Heights Rocketry Program, Colin is the founder and Head Coach of the Alamo Heights High School Rugby Team.

Before joining the faculty at AHHS, Colin taught for one year at the KIPP Aspire Academy and for eight years at Zachary Middle School as the eighth-grade lead science teacher.

Colin earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and Kinesiology from the University of Texas at San Antonio and, more recently, a Master of Education degree in Integrated Physics and Chemistry from Our Lady of the Lake University, graduating Magna Cum Laude from both schools. Mr. Lang holds certifications to teach Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and IPC. He is also a certified coach, having coached football, rugby, hockey, wrestling, MMA, basketball, track, and volleyball.

Colin has served as a mentor to new teachers, a coach, and a presenter at science and technology conferences as well as the lead trainer and instructor for the SystemsGo program. Mr. Lang has received several awards, including First Year Teacher of the Year (NISD), Spotlight on Excellence Award (AHISD), Texas High School Rugby Coach of the Year and was a finalist in the HEB Excellence in Education and Trinity Prize. He believes that learning should be fun and experienced in a real-life context. The Rocketry program at Alamo Heights is a perfect example of how project-based education through problem-solving in a real-world setting can change students’ lives. One of those students said of Mr. Lang "During my four years in the rocketry program, Mr. Lang has taught me how to use the NASA research and design process, create technical drawings using CAD software, design and build a seven-foot-long rocket that went the speed of sound, and use tools that would be found in any industry machine shop like a welder and lathe. These opportunities don’t often come to high-school students, and I can say with complete certainty that I have never had a teacher who has been willing to put more trust, respect, and time into my education than Mr. Lang. He is not only an excellent educator but also a role model for everyone he teaches and an example of the engineer I hope to become in the future."


Morgan S. Lund, 2020 SEEA Honoree

Morgan S. Lund, 2020 SEEA Honoree

Morgan S. Lund, M.E. is a teacher, mentor and sponsor at Engineering & Technologies         Academy at Roosevelt High School (ETA) in North East ISD where she is a specialized Engineering teacher and teaches three prep courses in grades 9 -12 in Engineering Math, Engineering Design & Presentation (Auto Desk Inventor) and Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Aerospace Engineering Course. Ms. Lund is also the sponsor for the school’s Rocketry Student Launch Club.

Ms. Lund received a BS in Civil Engineering and Masters in Civil Engineering, both from Texas A&M University. Following college, Ms. Lund was head of the Geotechnical Engineering Department at Gessner Engineering for eight years and then, because of her passion for working with students in STEM education, began her teaching career at Inquire Academy in Bryan ISD teaching calculus and algebra before joining the faculty at Engineering & Technologies Academy at Roosevelt High School (ETA).

In his nomination of Ms. Lund for the SEEA, Mr. Robert Lozano, the Director of ETA, stated that “…Ms. Lund consistently promotes STEM through ETA when it hosts 8th-grade student visits through shadow days and magnet nights at ETA. Her background in Civil Engineering plays a key role in recruiting many visiting male and female students looking at exploring a career in STEM. Ms. Lund spends countless hours outside of her daily work schedule working with our students in preparing for the multiple phases of building a level 2 rocket for the NASA Student Launch (SL) yearly competition. She works with her rocketry students to prepare their… proposal for NASA, then works with the team’s mentor… to ensure the integrity and safety of their build. She truly is an inspiration to our students…”

Perhaps, Nathan Puckett, one of Ms. Lund’s students, put it best when he said, “…the genius of Mrs. Lund’s teaching style doesn’t just come from her flexibility regarding assignments. There is a certain simple elegance in the lessons she teaches to students that are quite difficult to put into words. Everything is linked logically and neatly with each other, which is impressive considering the non-standardized education she teaches. Just like life, things aren’t set in stone, and Mrs. Lund responds to it. However, one thing is for sure: Mrs. Lund has gone above and beyond any other teacher, and she’s certainly advanced the STEM field in more ways than one.”

The SEEA will be presented to Colin Lang and Morgan Lund at the San Antonio Aviation and Aerospace Hall of Fame Awards Dinner on March 26, 2020.


Nominations

STEM SEEA Nomination Form-2020